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USC Football: Sun Devils Scorch Trojans 43-22

Scott Enyeart |
September 25, 2011 | 11:15 a.m. PDT

Staff Reporter

Arizona State LB Vontaze Burfict stares down USC QB Matt Barkley. (James Santelli/Neon Tommy)
Arizona State LB Vontaze Burfict stares down USC QB Matt Barkley. (James Santelli/Neon Tommy)

Check out a slideshow of the best photos from the game here.

USC talked all week about what it would take to go on the road at Arizona State and get a win.

On Saturday night, however, the No. 23 Trojans failed to follow their own advice as they fell to ASU 43-22.

USC (3-1, 1-1) managed to outgain the Sun Devils 402-392, but they could not overcome four turnovers as ASU (3-1, 1-0) ended an 11-game losing streak to the Trojans.

Despite trailing 21-9 at the half, USC began the 3rd quarter with an offensive explosion. The Trojans started the half with a six-play, 65-yard drive capped off by a touchdown pass from QB Matt Barkley to WR Marqise Lee.

After a punt by the Sun Devils, USC marched 80 yards down the field on a drive in which Marc Tyler had six carries for 69 yards, including a 10-yard touchdown run. The two quick scores propelled the Trojans to a 22-21 lead after back-to-back touchdowns.

But the Sun Devils were able to withstand the Trojans' best shot, responding with 22 unanswered points to put 'SC away. ASU managed to force three second half turnovers, two of which came while USC was inside scoring range.

Arizona State Shelly Lyons interception (James Santelli/Neon Tommy)
Arizona State Shelly Lyons interception (James Santelli/Neon Tommy)
Using a steady dose of QB Brock Osweiler and RB Cameron Marshall, Arizona State was able to keep USC's defense on its heels and score 22 of its 43 points off Trojan turnovers. The game was cinched by a Shelly Lyons pick-six (seen left) that stopped any potential USC comeback with seven minutes left.

USC had no answer for Marshall, who opened the game's scoring with a 70-yard touchdown on ASU’s first possession.

"We didn't even know if he was going to be able to play this week, and he played very well," Arizona State coach Dennis Erickson said of Marshall, who came into the game with an ankle injury.

The Trojans preached all week that to come in and win on the road, they would need to play disciplined football. They had a hard time walking the walk, though.

USC Trojans penalty (James Santelli/Neon Tommy)
USC Trojans penalty (James Santelli/Neon Tommy)
Led by three personal foul penalties from safety T.J. McDonald, USC committed 10 infractions for 87 yards.

Turnovers, penalties and a strong showing by ASU overshadowed a statistically solid performance by the Men of Troy.

"I was proud of the way we responded [in the second half]," Kiffin said. "We took the lead in a tough environment versus a really good team."

Now, USC will look to bounce back at home against the University of Arizona, while ASU takes over the driver's seat in the Pac-12 South Division.

For the Trojans, it was all about accepting the loss, and staying positive.

USC receiver Brice Butler (James Santelli/Neon Tommy)
USC receiver Brice Butler (James Santelli/Neon Tommy)
"This team is going to stay together, they're going to be strong," Kiffin said. "We've got to get ready for next week.

"We're 3-1. The season's not over. A lot of teams would like to be 3-1. We'll go back and get ready to play a good Arizona team."

USC Leaders:

Passing - Barkley: 21-33 for 227 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT

Rushing - Tyler: 22 carries for 149 yards, 1 TD

Receiving - Robert Woods: 8 receptions for 131 yards, Lee: 4 receptions, 50 yards, 1 TD

Kicking - Andre Heidari: 3-for-3 FG (Long of 41), 1-for-1 XP

ASU Leaders:

Passing - Osweiler: 25-32 for 223 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT

Rushing - Marshall: 25 carries for 141 yards, 3 TD

Receiving - Jamal Miles: 9 receptions for 55 yards, 1 TD

Kicking - Alex Garouette: 5-for-5 XP

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